Taken at Abingdon, Oxon., on July 2nd 2021. (© David Hastings)
(1/500th sec at f11)

Description

Family: Geometridae (ABH : 70.006)

Wing span: 18 - 22mm

This species has creamy white wings, with fairly distinct, usually light brown, cross-lines, and a small black central dot on both wings. The base of the forewing leading edge is brownish.

It is well distributed in southern, south-western and eastern England. It is more local in the Midlands and northern England.

Habitats include hedgerows, scrubby grassland, woodland edges and gardens.

There is one generation from early June to late July. It over-winters as a larva.

In captivity larvae will eat fresh or withered leaves of Dandelion, Knotgrass and Bramble.

It is sometimes disturbed by day from scrub or rough grass. It comes to light in small numbers.

Earliest UK sighting: 17th June ; Latest UK sighting: 2nd August

Sightings